Operation Iraqi Freedom 08-10

Task Force 34 Operation Iraqi Freedom 08-10

our Historical Overview Task Force 34 Commander

Task Force 34 RED BULLS, our deployment to Iraq and OIF 08-10 tour of duty supporting Multi-National Corps–Iraq (MNC–I) as the Corps Aviation Brigade is rapidly coming to a close. I have been honored to serve with you over the past year and truly thank you and your Families for your dedicated service to this Task Force, your State, and our Country. Because of your day-to-day perseverance to safely get the job done, both here in Iraq and on the homefront, TF 34 has earned a tremendously positive reputation of flying MNC–I Soldiers and cargo throughout all parts of Iraq.

Army Aviation is THE preferred method for moving people around the MNC–I battle space, and we have certainly done that! Executing an anticipated 40,000 total flight hours, TF 34 crews will have moved more than 130,000 passengers safely to their destinations. This has only been possible with the superb abili- ties of our Command Teams, Aircrews, Unit Maintenance and Support Per- sonnel. While we have been here, we have completed over 120 maintenance phases on our aircraft. Just like a well oiled machine, this coalition of experience has enabled TF 34 to support over 97% of our MNC–I mission sets. On more than one occasion, I have heard MNC–I or OCF–I Senior Leaders and Soldiers proclaim their faith and appreciation for our ability to bring them safely to their destination and back home.

With over 2,400 TF 34 Soldiers spread across Iraq at more than a dozen loca- RED BULLS, I am extremely proud of each of you tions, TF 34 has been literally everywhere across the battlespace influencing and all that we have accomplished together. Units the fight. All TF 34 aviation units to include TF Voodoo, TF Pegasus, TF Quick- from eleven different states and Germany came strike, TF Jokers Wild, TF Cascade, and TF Skater have flown and supported together to form this GREAT Task Force. Individual tough, open-desert, NVG missions that underwrite both OCF–I and Special Soldiers from across the United States were added Operations Command Warriors. These forces have grown accustomed to TF to round-out our Task Force. And, as One Unit, 34 safely transporting them to the fight. Your strong efforts and contributions One Team, we accomplished our wartime mission have significantly enhanced the security of Iraq. Many insurgents have been and YOU set the standard for others to follow! taken out of the fight, and all of you, either directly or indirectly, have had a part of making this history! Now, as we begin our redeployment, we will soon head our separate ways. You have CSM Thesing’s During our OIF 08-10 tour, we have seen the Government of Iraq (GOI) and my sincerest appreciation for your tremendous conduct national elections, a reduction in Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) insurgent work ethic, sense of duty, and incredible initiative activities, and the Iraqi people taking positive steps toward self-governance to improve the flightline and accomplish our mis- at the local, provincial, and national levels. These are all indications that your sion. I ask that as each of you go home and reunite collective efforts on this tour of duty have truly made a positive and tangible with your Families and Friends, to be careful and difference. Even though TF 34 Soldiers have done so many good things, there responsible; maintain “SA”, and use common sense has also been shared grief and tears. We will forever remember the horrible as you enjoy your hard earned “Reset” time. RED tragedy and loss of Red River 44. It is vitally important that you keep our BULL Soldiers continue to take care of your Battle Fallen Seven and their Families forever in your prayers. Many of us have also Buddies, attend your individual State reintegration tackled tough, personal issues, and through them all, we have stood together events, and train and fly safely as you rehone the and held strong to our faith. blade for the next fight. Thank you for a job well done and for one of the greatest opportunities We will soon be moving on to the next chapter of our lives. Over the next that I have ever had. It has been a blessing and a few months, and through the years, reflect back and remember to apply what privilege to serve as your commander. I will always you’ve learned through the sweat of hard work, challenges of a high OPTEM- be grateful. PO, and the ultimate price paid by the loss of Friends and fellow Soldiers. You, the next generation of leaders, are solemnly charged with ensuring that ONE TEAM, ONE FIGHT, ATTACK mistakes of the past are not repeated. Remember the Tiger-Traps that are ever present in Aviation Operations, both in and out of the war fight and avoid COL Clay Brock them at all cost. “WILD 6” out Forc k e 3 as 4 T

One T e am - One Fight O At tack! 0 Task Force 34 CSM IF 08-1

Hello to the families and Soldiers of Task Force 34. We are drawing to a close here in Iraq and believe me, there is a renewed sense of enthusiasm and excitement; we are coming home soon! It seems like years ago when we started training for this deployment, in fact it was July of 2007. All the staff officers and NCOs who were identified for the deployment from the battalions, met at Camp Ripley and we started training on the different digital battle command systems. That was the first time the majority of the leadership met each other and started to build our relationships. Since that time, we attended numerous events around the country; each event checked the block on a checklist that is required for pre-deployment training. Some of the events were “in progress reviews,” “aviation training exercises,” Brooke Army Medical Center visit, Family Readiness Group meetings/seminars, higher headquarters visits/briefings, and specific staff training. During the pre-deployment time, each Soldier also attended training at their home stations, which meant more time away from home; when you add up the pre-deployment train up time and the deployed time at Ft. Sill and in Iraq; we have been gone a long time! It is time to pack our section equipment, our personal gear and our personal items, and go home!

I will always remember the Soldiers who made up Task Force 34; I have made some great friends throughout the Task Force. I have met some great Soldiers in this Task Force, and am humbled at times when I get to meet Soldiers who give so much for their country or witness the great things that the TF 34 Soldiers are doing in support of our mission here.

To all the loved ones back home; you can be proud of the accomplishments your husbands, wives, sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, and relatives have done here in Iraq; they are extraordinary people, they are extraordinary Americans. On that same note, I would be remiss if I did not recognize the sacrifices that the families also gave for this cause here in Iraq. You all equally gave in support of Op- eration Iraqi Freedom; you made it possible for us to do our mission as you all took care of the home front, took care of our children, took care of the home, the yard, the vehicles, the daily chores, and … I could go on and on about all the things families do at home while we were here in Iraq; my point is we are a team, the families and the Soldiers. There is no “I” in the word team, so I am grateful to the families and all the support you have given us throughout this deployment, despite your own day to day mission at the home front. We love and miss you all, see you soon!

CSM Gery Thesing “WILD 7” out

Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 MWR 26 Task Force 34 4 Sports 27 Task Force 34 Headquarters 5 Bettering Morale 28 1-244 AHB 6 Bettering Iraq 29 2-149 GSAB 10 Soldier Milestones 30 2-641 AVN 14 Operational Milestones 31 3-159 ARB 16 Logistical Milestones 31 834 ASB 20 Iraqi Milestones 32 C, 2-211 24 Remembering Red River 44 Back F, 1-189 GSAB 25 Operation Iraqi Freedom 08-10

Task Force 34 ... Our Mission

Task Force 34 conducts combat aviation operations in support of Multi-National Corps–Iraq’s full spectrum operations to defeat violent extremists and deny resurgence in order to protect the population and achieve sustainable security. On order Task Force IRAQ 34 deploys aviation elements to crisis areas in support of scalable response forces.

The following Units proudly served as part of Task Force 34 and this document provides a brief history to highlight the many GER accomplishments during OIF 08-10 and the dedicated Soldiers that made it possible. Units comprising Task Force 34 include: TF 34 Unit Home Bases

TF 34 Headquarters Company Task Force 34 Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) provided command and control for all aspects of the TF and was formed from the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade HHC of the Minnesota National Guard based in St. Paul.

1-244 Assault Helicopter Battalion Task Force VooDoo, 1-244 AHB conducted air assault and air movement operations in support of Multi-National Corps–Iraq with home units from Louisiana and Florida National Guard.

2-149 General Support Aviation Battalion Task Force Joker, 2-149 GSAB conducted aviation combat support, heavy lift and aeromedical evacuation operations in support of Multi-National Corps–Iraq with home units from the Texas, Oklahoma and South Carolina National Guard.

Unit Mobilization Periods C, 2-211 TF 34 HHC, 834, 2-149, F, 1-189 1-244 3-159 2 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Forc k e 3 as 4 T

One T e am - One Fight O At tack! 0 IF 08-1 2-641 Aviation Regiment Task Force Cascade, 2-641 AVN provided commanders with fixed-wing airlift support by transporting high priority passengers and cargo throughout multiple operational theaters. TF Cascade is an Oregon National Guard based unit.

3-159 Attack Reconnaissance Battalion Task Force Quickstrike, 3-159 ARB conducted base defense, utility helicopter escort, general security and attack reconnaissance missions throughout the Multi-National Corps–Iraq Area of Responsibility. The unit is based in Illesheim, Germany under the 12th CAB.

834 Aviation Support Battalion Task Force Skater, 834 ASB conducted full spectrum operations including intermediate level to heavy aviation maintenance, fueling arming, and food service to support the Soldiers and aircraft of Task Force 34. The unit is from Minnesota, Iowa, Oklahoma and West Virginia National Guard.

C Company, 2-211 General Support Aviation Battalion The MEDEVAC, 2-211 supported the Marines in Western Iraq with life saving aero medical evacuation services throughout Al Anbar Province from three discrete locations. Additionally, one FSMT supported combat missions in Afghanistan. The unit is from Minnesota and Iowa National Guard.

F Company, 1-189 General Support Aviation Battalion Home based at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, F Co. operated two air traffic control towers and provided air traffic control services in Mosul and Tall Afar Iraq.

3 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Task Force 34

Brigade Command Commander: COL R. Clay Brock, Jr. Command Sergeant Major: CSM Gery Thesing

Task Force 34 was a brigade sized aviation task force originally comprised of National Guard units from 11 states and one U.S. Army battalion headquartered in Germany.

Our Mission Task Force 34 conducted a full spectrum of aviation operations supporting the Multi-National Corps–Iraq mission to maintain a secure and stable environment enabling the Iraqi National Government to assume responsibility for the security and governmental functions of Iraq.

Accomplishments: The Task Force projected combat power throughout the theater of Iraq, and through the combined efforts of all the Battalions and Soldiers accomplished the following significant accomplishments:

— 834th ASB FLE supported MNC–I C4 Aviation efforts by establishing SSA and Combat Aviation Brigade footprint at Tallil to support MND–S operational aviation requirements.

— F Co. I-185th provided C-23 support to cover mission requirements previously supported out of Ali Al Salem Air Force Base by a sister company. This critical function provided the movement of aviation AOG parts and support personnel throughout the theater of Iraq.

— Projected long range combat power and maintenance by dividing the headquarters and subordinate companies of 3-159 ARB between Balad and Basrah.

S2 S4 S3

Chaplain

Commander Flight Surgeon MAJ Eric Pikula Master Gunner COL Clay Brock CW5 Jeffrey Pratt LTC Todd Kubista COL Basil Leblanc CW5 David Laurie MAJ Patricia Baker

Deputy Commander 4 LTC Darryl Ducharme CHAP (LTC) Joel Severson

Standardization Instructor Pilot Forc k e 3 as 4 T

One T e am - One Fight O At tack! 0 IF 08-1 Headquarters and Headquarters Company Commander: CPT Sheldon Atwood First Sergeant: 1SG Clifford Steenberg

The Task Force 34 Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) were formed from the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade HHC of the Minnesota National Guard.

Soldiers of HHC performed pre-mobilization training at Camp Ripley, MN and were activated May 31st, 2008 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Accomplishments: — Established Command and Control of Task Force 34 and formed a cohesive operations team including all subordinate battalion’s and units — Successfully tracked over 5,600 missions and 40,000 flight hours in support of MNC–I combat operations with virtually no issues. This allowed for the transportation of over 130,000 passengers and over 11,670,000 lbs of cargo which was moved in support of MNC–I combat operations to sustain the fight — Provided support in Logistics, Communication, Medical, Legal, Public Affairs and Ministry to a Task Force of over 2,000 Soldiers

S6 S1 IG JAG

TAC Ops. EO Officer

LTC JamesYates MAJ Taylor Cox LTC Michael Taff CW5 Gary Arne MAJ Mark Bonner CSM Gery Thesing Executive Officer Med. Ops. Officer MAJ Douglas Simon MAJ Roy Fuhrmann Command Sgt. Maj. MAJ Michael Weaver

MAJ Randall Hedegaard Catfish Air, Public Affairs 5 1st Battalion, 244th Assault Helicopter Battalion “The 1st Battalion, 244th Assault Helicopter Battalion has been at the tip of the spear. As this mission in Iraq continues to move toward stabilization and moves more towards stability operations in a peacekeeping operation, there still is a combat mission. MNC–I LTC Patrick and TF 34 are conducting that combat mis- Bossetta sion, and we are a very large part of it with air assault missions in support of special operations. And, that is something I would like to highlight that the battalion has been incredibly successful in doing, as far as the combat missions are concerned. We were the tip of the spear in that mission. Based on what this unit has done over the last four years, if the folks back home want something to be proud of, something to be positive about with all of the negative news we hear, you don’t have to look too much further than the Louisiana National Guard and Florida National Guard.”

CSM Myron Creecy LTC Patrick Bossetta Commander, 1-244 AHB

Mobilization Deployment 6 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Morale, Welfare and Recreation Headquarters and Headquarters Company Commander: CPT Scott Miroddi First Sergeant:1SG Dannie Bergeron

Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, the “Spidermen,” were responsible for supporting the execution of multiple complex air assault insertion and extraction missions under the most demanding modes of flight for United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM), as well as TF 714. They simultaneously supported air movement operations in direct support to Ambassador Ryan Crocker, Multi-National Corps–Iraq, and Baghdad, Iraq. HHC supported every facet of the 1-244th’s mission sets from SOCOM to general aviation support and the Spider- men never let their guard down and provided human resources, Military intelligence, tactical operations, chaplain, logistics, medical, and communications support.

Accomplishments: — Supported over 15,000 flight hours — Completed 3,000 combat missions — Completed the movement of over 40,000 U.S. Soldiers, civilians and foreign nationals

Alpha Company Commander: CPT Jacques Comeaux First Sergeant:1SG Terry Morrison

Alpha Company, the “Supermen,” performed combat air assault and air movement operations on Blackhawk helicopters within the Iraqi and Kuwaiti area of operation.

Accomplishments: — Flew over 4,900 combat hours — Flew 966 hours in the month of October alone — Transported 30,000 passengers — Transported 41,000 lbs of baggage

7 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 1st Battalion, 244th Assault Helicopter Battalion Bravo Company Commander: CPT Timothy Cleighton First Sergeant: 1SG Kevin Currie

Bravo Company, the “Batmen,” supported the Ambassador’s office, executed air assaults, Time Sensitive Target missions, battlefield circulation, and supported MNSTC–I.

Additionally, B Co. performed BDE DART missions, CASEVAC, aerial reconnaissance, and detainee movements. All of these achievements could not have been accomplished without the expert skill of Bravo Company’s pilots and crew chiefs. They maintained aircraft maintenance at an 80% operational readiness while also executing missions.

Bravo Company received an official letter of recommendation from Ambassador Ryan Crocker’s office, and commendation and visit from our supported ground commander, and Task Force 34 commander.

Accomplishments: — Flew over 4,300 hours — Transported over 13,500 passengers — Transported over 160,000 lbs of cargo

Charlie Company Commander: CPT Randy McCreary First Sergeant: 1SG Christopher Downey

Charlie Company, the “Privateers,” was responsible for the execution of multiple complex air assault insertion and extraction missions under the most demanding modes of flight for United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM), as well as TF 714. Simultane- ously provided air movement operations in direct support to Ambassador Ryan Crocker, Multi-National Corps–Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq.

Accomplishments: — Flew over 5,000 flight hours — Completed 1,200 combat missions — Completed the movement of over 22,000 U.S. Soldiers, civilians and foreign nationals

8 Delta Company Commander: CPT James Wells First Sergeant: 1SG Michael Swanson

Delta Company, the “Iron Men,” provided maintenance to 30 Blackhawk Helicopters of the Battalion that flew over 15,000 combat flight hours with Soldiers from Louisiana, Florida, Washington, Minnesota and West Virginia.

Accomplishments: — Culminated in over 3,000 Combat Missions — Maintained an over 83% Operational Readiness Rate — Completed over 400,000 maintenance man hours — Completed over 3,000 Work Orders — Completed 134 120-Hour Inspections — Completed 40 Phase Maintenance Inspections — Controlled the flow of over $20 million in aircraft parts — Maintained a mission ready DART, Downed Aircraft Recovery Team

Echo Company Commander: CPT Marlin Jenkins First Sergeant: 1SG Chad Happel

Echo Company, the “Juggernauts,” provided seamless logistical support to all Battalion operations. Specializing in fueling, maintaining vehicles, and running the Dining Facility. This National Guard unit hails from Hammond, LA.

Accomplishments: — Maintenance Platoon maintained a 97% Operational Readiness Rate — Completed 50 carpentry projects — Distribution Platoon pumped approximately 1.8 Million gallons of fuel in support of Flight missions — The Food Service section assisted with Dining Facility operations, supervis- ing an output of approximately 16,000 meals per day

9 2nd Battalion, 149th General Support Aviation Battalion

“What I would like people to remember about this deployment is what the Soldiers have achieved, individually and collectively as an organization. It was a pretty incredible task when we started this whole LTC Joanne transformation in June 2006 all the way MacGregor to the deployment in May 2008. Essen- tially, we went from 60% strength to over 104% strength in less than six months, and went through several inspections as well as a rigorous train up in preparation for this deployment. The Soldiers stepped up to the plate and did a phenomenal job. I would say that is probably one of our biggest accomplishments. We took one of the most complex aviation battalions, in the brigade and turned it into a function- ing war fighting machine, and I’m the most proud of that.”

LTC Joanne MacGregor CSM Anthony Simms Commander, 2-149 GSAB

Mobilization Deployment 10 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Headquarters and Headquarters Company Commander: CPT Carisa Kimbro First Sergeant: 1SG Robert Quinn

The Headquarters Company, “Mavericks,” element supported all the Soldiers within the company. The S1 section provided administrative support which included accounting for all Battalion Soldiers, Personnel Actions, Legal, and Mail Operations. The S2 section provided Intelligence and threat assessment for every flight mission executed. The S3 section provided training and operations support for every 2-149 flight mission. The S4 section provided logistical support to the battalion. The S6 section provided IT support for 100+ computers and managed over $5 million of equipment.

Accomplishments: — S1 completed record reviews on all 575 Soldiers in the battalion and managed over 150 OERs and NCOERs — S2 conducted over 400 Intelligence Briefings to support flight operations — S3 provided flight following and Battle TOC Operations for over 970 flights, producing over 6,500 flight hours — S4 supported over 100 work orders and provided over $200,000 of spending support to battalion projects — S6 responded to over 125 Helpdesk requests and ensured that over 450 computer accounts were created in four different Forward Operating Bases

Alpha Company Commander: CPT Patrick Fleming First Sergeant:1SG Kenneth Caldwell

A Co., 2-149th “Palmetto Hawks,” represented the detached Command and Control (CAC) Company of the 2-149th GSAB stationed out of Eastover, South Carolina. As the CAC element for the battalion, A Co. was selected to serve as the Multi-Na- tional Force–Iraq and Multi-National Corps–Iraq Commanding Generals’ Flight Company. The unit was forward-deployed from the battalion, operating from Dragon Landing Zone, Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq.

Accomplishments: — Flew 513 hours in support of the MNC–I and MNF–I Generals — Accomplished more than 7,000 hours of aircraft maintenance — Completed 331 missions, and flew over 2,600 total flight hours

11 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 2nd Battalion, 149th General Support Aviation Battalion

Bravo Company Commander: CPT Ashley Brown First Sergeant: SFC Kevin McAnally

The Bravo Company “Hookmasters,” have been praised for their support by many supported ground units. The Heavy Assault Company, flying CH47 helicopters, supports three different organizations, Segasoic, Task Force 714, as well as General Corps Aviation Support, based out of Grand Prairie, Texas. B Co. performed a diverse set of missions for customers across Iraq and Kuwait. Missions included Air Assaults, Direct Actions and general support for OCFI, CJSOAC, and the Theatre Corps, not to mention VIP movements in support of two presidential visits to Iraq. Bravo Company started the deployment under the command of CPT Jason Rowe and 1SG Julio Ordonez. 1SG Ordonez was tragically killed in the Red River 44 accident, along with six other members of the Battalion. CPT Rowe changed command with CPT Ashley Brown in February 2009.

Accomplishments: — Flew over 400 combat missions — Completed over 3,130 flight hours — Moved over 29,540 passengers and 3.14 million pounds of cargo throughout Iraq

Charlie Company Commander: MAJ Carlos Tamez First Sergeant: 1SG Jon Polozeck

C Co., 2-149th “Alamo Dustoff,” provided general aeromedical evacuation support to all United States and Coalition forces in MND–N from Balad and FOB Normandy. This responsibility included: Corps-level aeromedical evacuation support in support of MNC–I medical priorities and objectives including; MND–B Level III patient transfers, emergency resupply of Class VIII (Blood), patient transfers to facilitate the medical movement of Contingency Aeromedi- cal Staging Facility patients, patient transfers to facilitate the medical movement of Host Nation patients, and the emergency movement of medical personnel, equipment and biological. Their motivated and highly knowledgeable flight operations Soldiers were critical during each 9-line MEDEVAC request and provided the aircrews with the real time enemy intelligence, weather, patient injuries and pickup locations. The company is based out of San Antonio, Texas.

Accomplishments: — Flew over 1,700 patents, including 86 urgent patients and 25 urgent surgical patients — Completed 600 missions with 1,290 flight hours, 869 hours at night under Night Vision Goggle systems Delta Company Commander: MAJ Matthew Masias First Sergeant: 1SG Michael Garcia

D Co., 2-149th “Chupacabra’s,” mission was to provide 24 hour, general support, aviation, unit-level maintenance and combat aviation support across the designated area of operations. Delta Company ensured that no aviation support mission was cancelled due to maintenance delays which contributed immensely to the GSAB’s success. During this tour, Delta Company successfully deployed two Downed Aircraft Recovery Teams off FOB without incident, fully recovering all aircraft. In addition, Soldiers from D Company also performed many maintenance tasks outside their required spectrum by conducting Non-Destructive Inspections of critical aircraft parts and equipment, thereby increasing mission readiness by reducing aircraft down time.

Accomplishments: — Processed over 2,200 aviation maintenance work orders — Completed over 17,000 man hours — Maintained an 85% Operational Readiness rate

Echo Company Commander: CPT Clint Hughey First Sergeant: 1SG Laurie Armstrong

E Co., 2-149th “Outkasts,” based out of Grand Prairie, Texas, is the Forward Support Company that is located in Balad as well as Baghdad International Airport, and Normandy. They provide refuel operations, maintenance as well as Dining Facility support.

Accomplishments: — The Class III distribution section Issued over 1.6 million gallons of JP8 and serviced over 7,500 aircraft — The Class I distribution section issued over 9,240 liters of bottled water and 13,114 rounds of Class V — The Maintenance Platoon completed over 447 work orders — The Supply Section monitored five property books totaling over $10 million and monitored the requisition of over $269,243 dollars of Class II items — The Food Service section assisted with multiple Dining Facilities at Joint Base Balad

13 2nd Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment “The factor that influenced our success was training. We have some very highly skilled aviators in this organization coming from a wide variety of backgrounds, and they had a very important mission here of the ‘white birds’, which were the C-12 and UC-35 used to fly the VIP missions throughout theater. On a daily basis they were flying four-star LTC Todd generals, and ambassadors, a very demanding cus- Farmer Jul08-Jan09 tomer because their schedules are very tight and constantly changing. They did so day in, day out, in a wonderful fashion. As the ‘gold birds’ were concerned, the C-23 Sherpas, we had Soldiers, many of which came from a variety of aviation backgrounds, different aircraft, and some of them new to the C-23. They quickly Accomplishments: adapted to the mission, which involved flying with LTC Christian Total Missions: 2,418 night vision goggles, picking up personnel and cargo Rees Total Hours: 10,678.5 and transporting them to keep the war fight going. Jan09-Jul09 Total Passengers: 45,875 The training they completed, their ability to oper- Total Cargo: 8,350,600 pounds ate in austere conditions, and their consistency Total AMRs processed: 21,780 throughout the entire deployment are absolutely outstanding. I just can’t say enough about the effort these Soldiers made. I am very pleased.”

LTC Christian Rees CSM Karen Jacobsharryman Commander, 2-641 AVN

Headquarters and Headquarters Company Commander: CPT John Hoffman First Sergeant: 1SG Todd Albertson

HHC 2-641st Aviation Regiment is from the Oregon National Guard and make up the Command group, primary and special staff members. Also, a very small company, the HHC rotated about half of its members at the six month mark. The HHC had many personnel from other units and other states volunteer for this deployment, thus retaining enough flexibility to allow for shorter mobilizations.

Mobilization, Deployment 14 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Charlie Company Commander: MAJ Kevin Powers

C Co., 2-228th Aviation is from the U.S. Army Reserve in Fort Bragg, NC. It is the C-12 and UC-35 company which transports VIP and DV passengers throughout the entire region. Being a very small company in overall numbers, some members of C Co. were able to mobilize for six months, while the company flag and about half of its members remained the entire year.

India Company Commander: CPT Scott Smith First Sergeant:1SG James Williams

I Co. ,185th Aviation is from Connecticut, California, Mississippi, and Missouri National Guard and is the C-23 Sherpa Cargo airplane company transported high priority cargo and passengers throughout the theatre. All Sherpa units come from the Army National Guard, with two or usually four states making up one full company. I Co., I-185th provided C-23 support to cover mission requirements previously supported out of Ali Al Salem Air Force Base by a sister company. This critical function provided the movement of aviation AOG parts and support personnel throughout the theater of Iraq.

15 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 3rd Battalion, 159th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion The 3-159 ARB provides attack reconnaissance assets and utility helicopter support throughout the Multi-National Corps–Iraq Area of Responsibility in order to facilitate efforts to achieve a stable Iraq through the advancement of a sustain- LTC Brian able security environment. The Attack Dillon Reconnaissance Battalion was comprised of HHC Company, three flight Companies, a maintenance company and a refueling company. The Battalion was physically split between Balad and Basrah, Iraq, providing attack aircraft coverage from both locations and covering a large portion of the country. 3-159 ARB is a U.S. Army unit, based in Germany under the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade. “The biggest challenge the BN faced was providing attack aircraft coverage from two separate locations and covering the large geographic area of the country.” LTC Brian E. Dillon CSM John Commander, 3-159 ARB Sundermann

Deployment 16 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Headquarters and Headquarters Company Commander: CPT Dan Brice First Sergeant: 1SG James Cook

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, the “Mus- tangs,” focused on providing Command and Control, flight operations support, flight following, conduct intelligence analysis, supply management, human resources functions, communications networking and repair, logistical, administrative, and medical support for a Task Force of over 600 Soldiers. The Mustangs deployed to both Joint Base Balad in Northern Iraq, and Contingent Operating Base Basrah, located in the Southeastern corner of the country. While supporting all the Task Force’s Air Missions, HHC specifi- Accomplishments: cally was charged with providing one Aerial Weapons Team — Supported a Task Force of over 600 Soldiers (AWT) daily to counter the Indirect Fire threat on Joint while located on 2 FOBs — Above regular duties, put together an Aerial Base Balad, as well as being the Armed Escort for the top Weapons Team (AWT), and provided Armed U.S. Commander in Iraq. Escort for the top U.S. Commander in Iraq

Alpha Company Commander: CPT Michael Dyer Accomplishments: First Sergeant: 1SG Charles Wagenbrenner — Flew over 4,000 flight hours — Completed over 1,000 combat missions Alpha Company, the “Playboys,” one of the three Apache helicopter flight companies, conducted many classified missions that included a full range of ground mission support such as base security, direct support to ground maneuver operations, general security support for Baghdad and Basrah areas, indirect fire/ counter mortar and attack reconnaissance. Their missions were completed with the command intent of deterring enemy influ- ence and attacks on coalition forces. Alpha Company’s impact and success was measured by the reduction of direct and indirect fire attacks on coalition forces. Their efforts assisted the Iraqi Government’s efforts to become a stable and creditable entity. Throughout the deployment, Alpha Company was called on to support multiple UK rotations, 4th BCT, 10th Mountain Division, and all missions given by Multi-National Corps–Iraq. The tour concluded with a handover with the 1-130th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion from North Carolina.

17 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 3rd Battalion, 159th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion

Bravo Company Commander: CPT Matthew Peterson First Sergeant: 1SG John Palesch

Bravo Company, the “Bounty Hunters,” one of the three Apache helicopter flight companies, conducted many classified missions that included a full range of ground mission support such as base Accomplishments: security, direct support to ground maneuver operations, general — Flew over 3000 hours — Completed over 1000 security support for Baghdad and Basrah areas, indirect fire/ combat missions counter mortar and attack reconnaissance. Their missions support included Operation Telic in all relative areas with 15 different mission sets. In addition, they supported numerous counter indirect fire missions (C-IDF), cordon and searches, route reconnaissance missions, High Value Individual (HVI) raid, Troops in Contact (TIC), and Task Force Spartan missions. They successfully resounded the commander’s intent of “On Time, On Target” motto for all tasks completed.

Charlie Company Commander: CPT Scott Schmidt First Sergeant: 1SG Henry Champlin

Charlie Company, the “Phantoms,” as one of the three Apache helicopter flight companies, provided support to British, Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and numerous Coalition forces, and conducted many mission sets that ranged from deliberate air assaults, vehicle interdictions, border reconnaissance and MEDEVAC Chase to aerial escort missions for Battlefield Circulation of passengers and cargo. These missions were accomplished out of FOBs Bas- Accomplishments: — Flew over 3,900 hours rah, Tallil and Garry Owen, Iraq. The unit’s mission set included — Escorted 17 Air Assaults missions direct support to British Operation Telic, counter smuggling in- terdiction, direct support and air assault operations for 4th BCT 1st CAV Division, and battlefield circulation and general support to coalition military personnel and contractors assigned to Multi- National Corp–Iraq Southeast and Center. — Escorted 135 MEDEVAC missions — Escorted 3 QRF missions — Completed 10 HERO missions — Assisted in capture of over 250 HVI 18 Delta Company Commander: CPT Nathanal Patton Accomplishments: First Sergeant: 1SG Nathan Mahaney — Completed 48 125-Hour Inspections, improving the completion time from 24 hours Delta Company, the “Outlaws,” enabled the Battalion to com- to less than 10 hours — Completed 20 250-Hour Inspections, plete its wartime mission by providing Aviation Unit Maintenance reducing the completion time from 72 hours and limited Intermediate Maintenance support during split-based to just under 24 operations over an extended battlefield in up to four geographic locations. The Company maintained 24 AH-64D Longbow Apaches stationed at Joint Base Balad and Contingency Operating Base Basrah while providing the logistic support for eight UH- 60 Blackhawks. The Company incorporated an aggressive Phase Maintenance program to improve bank time from well below 50% to over 60%, enabling the Battalion to fly in support of Multi- National Corps–Iraq in two geographic regions over multiple Operating Environments. Delta Company kept the Battalion flying and able to execute its missions while maintaining a sustained Operational Readiness Rate of eighty percent throughout the deployment.

Echo Company Commander: CPT Kerry Motes First Sergeant: 1SG Viktor Vaupel

Echo Company, the “Executioners,” performed split-based operations running a Forward Logistics Element in Contingency Operating Base (COB) Basrah, Iraq with a Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP), ground maintenance, distribution section and a movement control team as well as a jump FARP at Forward Operating Base Garry Owen, Iraq, keeping the aircraft armed and refueled for rapid deployment and response capabilities. They also spearheaded the redevelopment and renovations of an 8,018 lbs. Net Explosive Weight Ready Ammunition Storage Area on COB Basrah.

Accomplishments: — Fueled over 7,500 Apache, Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters with over 2,650,000 gallons of fuel — Armed over 450 attack aircraft with over $5,750,000 in ammunition without any casualties, accidents or loss to the government — Conducted 800 unscheduled maintenance, 126 schedule services and 112 recovery or off-site repairs — Submitted over 6,000 Class IX requisitions in support of 126 pieces of rolling stock and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) — Maintained an Operational Readiness rate of 97% on ground vehicles and equipment 19 834th Aviation Support Battalion “The 834th has three essential jobs that is to support, sustain and communicate. I think we’re most famous for our aviation maintenance and that seems to be a big part of our job, but we do much more than that. We provide food and water, and medical care for all of the Soldiers of the LTC Eric Task Force. For the equipment of the Task Waage Force, we repair ground vehicles, get fuel, and ammunition and other things to help support the equipment. We also provide the infrastructure for the Task Force to communicate, both internally and external- ly. They achieved it through great flexibility. One of the most remarkable things I think that we did was support two Task Forces, not just Task Force 34, we also arrived and supported Task Force 49, and that became 449, in the southern part of Iraq. So we had to split ourselves and create separate entities.” CSM Jeffrey LTC Eric Waage Lindberg Commander, 834 ASB

Mobilization Deployment 20 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Headquarters and Support Company Commander: CPT Daniel Dobler First Sergeant: 1SG Craig Heggerston

Headquarters Support Company, 834th ASB, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, contains both vital staff sections and critical support elements.

The Support Operations Section (SPO) faced some of the biggest challenges in supporting two Task Forces without an increase in personnel. Their efforts directly impacted over 4,000 military personnel and associated equipment, including over 140 airframes. The SPO Aviation (SPO-AV) ordered and procured over 1,130 Aircraft-on-Ground (AOG) and high-priority parts.

SPO Transportation (SPO-TRANS) submitted 116 Transporta- tion Movement Requests (TMR) for the brigade, involving 1,595 pieces of equipment over a period of 6 months without commit- ting an error. They also flawlessly moved 2,429 passengers on 137 separate flights. They trained the Unit Movement Officers from 18 companies in the Task Force on the TMR process and improved the overall tracking system.

SPO Medical Logistics (SPO-MEDLOG) identified serious Accomplishments: deficiencies in TF 34 aircraft first aid kits, combat lifesaver bags, — The Combat Service Support Automation Man- and Downed Aircraft Recovery Team (DART) resources. agement Office (CSSAMO) established the first hardwired and wireless maintenance network for the Army aviation footprint on Balad. Over nine Approximately $108,000 of supplies were quickly procured and miles of cable was installed, three miles of wireless assembled to address the problems and provide combat crews networking shots were established, and more than with the most up-to-date medical resources. 100 computer systems networked — The maintenance section averaged 17 job orders and over 2,000 man-hours of work per week, spread across five maintenance areas — The medical section averaged over 178 patients per week and met all ambulance, immunization, and periodic physical requirements. Their immunization effort alone totaled over 7,000 vaccinations — The Food Service section assisted with Dining Facility operations at three locations at Balad, su- pervising an output of approximately 17,000 meals per day — The unit ministry team conducted 63 worship services at three chapels for five distinct worship communities

21 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 834th Aviation Support Battalion

Alpha Company Commander: CPT Christopher Staples First Sergeant: 1SG William Buystedt

Alpha Company, 834th ASB, is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota and is the Distribution Company for the battalion. Its job is to acquire, transport, store and deliver critical resources such as ammunition, fuel, water and aviation repair parts for the units it supports.

Accomplishments: — Among the most important functions run by Alpha Company was the largest Class IX (Air) Supply Support Activity in the Southwest Asia Theater of Operations. They stocked over 4,196 LINs of aviation parts valued at more than $128 million, and processed over 93,000 supply requests — The Fuel and Water platoon section operated two Forward Arming and Refueling Points (FARP) providing over one million gallons of fuel in more than 4,500 separate fuel operations supporting U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Department of State, and Iraqi Air Force helicopters at the largest military base in Iraq — The Water Section delivered more than 500,000 liters of bottled drinking water to 50 water drop points sustaining the military and civilian personnel on the west side of Joint Base Balad. They also purified over 5 million gallons of bulk potable water to support personnel and operations at FOB Normandy — The Transportation Platoon logged an excess of 9,000 miles of safe and efficient delivery of aircraft repair parts to the SSA warehouse from various logistics points and the joint distribution center on Balad 22 Bravo Company Accomplishments: Commander: MAJ Kevin Tullberg — Completed AVIM phase maintenance inspec- First Sergeant: 1SG Don Burrows tions on twelve UH-60 Blackhawk aircraft, plus completed another twelve UH-60 phases as part Bravo Company, 834th ASB, is headquartered in of innovative combined Soldier-contractor teams. Oklahoma, with detachments in Minnesota and Among these, nine Blackhawk phases were four West Virginia. To support the Operation Iraqi MND–C aircraft from 3-142 AHB — Completed six CH-47 Chinook phase main- Freedom deployment (OIF 08-10), the company tenance inspections itself, plus an additional four was further augmented with Soldiers from B Co. CH-47 phases as a joint Soldier-contractor team 248th ASB of the Iowa National Guard to fill — Generated 12,640 additional aircraft flight critical shortages. Bravo Company is the battal- hours beyond the total from the phases conducted ion’s Aviation Maintenance Company, responsible at the flight battalions. This amount represented over 40 percent of the combat flight hours of the for providing Aviation Intermediate Level Mainte- units supported, and was well beyond typical AVIM nance (AVIM) support and aircraft recovery for output Task Force 34 of MNC–I. In addition, the company — Completed more than 6,000 work order had a major additional responsibility to provide repairs, services and inspections for a wide array phase maintenance, back-shop and specialized of customers. In the process, the unit requisitioned over 16,000 parts for both Bravo Company and contact team support to Task Force 449, the contractor operations Combat Aviation Brigade for MND–C. — 378 pairs of night vision devices (NVD) were restored, plus the full replacement of over 190 image intensifiers

Charlie Company Commander: 1LT Brian Fitch First Sergeant: 1SG Norm Baker Accomplishments: — Supported two Task Forces simultaneously from three different locations in Iraq Charlie Company, 834th ASB, is headquartered in Hastings, — Help desk operations supported over 1,000 Minnesota and is the battalion’s Signal Network Support workstations and over 1,300 individual user Company. The company formed the communications back- accounts for both Non-Secure and Secure Internet bone of the brigade. It is comprised of two principle elements: Protocol Router (NIPR and SIPR) network the Network Operations Platoon and the Joint Network — The NET OPS platoon requested and maintained over 300 individual frequencies for the Node (JNN) platoon. Both platoons ensured that a secure Automatic Link Establishment databases in multiple communications network was installed, locations maintained, secured and defended for — They also provided an Aerial Command uninterrupted voice and data flow. Console NCOIC for the Multi-National Forces– Additionally, the company established a Iraq (MNF–I) command and control mission which netted 12 missions and 20 flight hours of support SSA in Tallil to support MND–S opera- — The JNN/Command Post Node (CPN) tional aviation requirements. 1LT Brian platoon’s cable team improved the network struc- Fitch took over command from CPT ture at all supported locations by removing 65,000 Kent Kogler in February 2009. feet of unserviceable or worn CAT-V cable and installing over 166,000 feet of new CAT-V cable Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion 211th General Support Aviation Battalion

Charlie Company Commander: MAJ James A. Shirk First Sergeant: 1SG Andrew Carrillo

C Company, “Northstar Dustoff,” 2-211th General Support Aviation Battalion’s MEDEVAC mission in support of the Marines in western Iraq was a unique and autonomous mission. With the primary mission of providing lifesaving aeromedical evacuation services throughout Al Anbar Province, C Company’s pilots, medics, crew chiefs, and support personnel demonstrated incredible dedication and resourcefulness throughout the deployment.

As of April 1, 2009, C Company had performed approximately 300 MEDEVAC missions, providing lifesaving evacuation services to over 500 patients. Through a combined effort of aircraft maintainers, aircraft fuelers, flight operations personnel, and flight crews, over 1,700 flight hours had been executed. C Company’s fuelers provided support to the Marine’s helicopter fleet as well, delivering over 200,000 gallons of fuel to aircraft. Finally, in April one Forward Support Medical Team was deployed to Afghanistan to support the developing fight.

C Co. proudly served their country in the efforts to stabilize Iraq and dedicated themselves to mission success on two fronts until return- ing home in late July. The adaptability and dedication demonstrated by every Soldier in C Company was a true testament to the outstanding Soldiers of Minnesota, Iowa, Georgia, and Arizona.

“When We Have Your Wounded”

Accomplishments: — 300 MEDEVAC missions — Over 1,700 flight hours — Lifesaving evacuation services for over 500 patients — Delivered over 200,000 gallons of aviation fuel Mobilization Deployment Mob./Deployment 24 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Forc k e 3 as 4 T Fox Company, 1st Battalion 189th

One T e am - One Fight O At tack! 0 General Support Aviation Battalion IF 08-1

Fox Company Commander: CPT Jesse Graber First Sergeant: 1SG Ronald Smith

Home based at Camp Ripley, Minnesota, F Co. operated two air traffic control towers and provided air traffic control services in Mosul and Tall Afar, Iraq. The units’ insatiable quest for excellence led to 23 Army Air Traffic Controllers receiving their FAA Tower Certification, and 10 receiving their Army Radar Approach Control Rating. The Maintenance sections continuous support led to minimal equipment down time, resulting in continuous 24 hour operations of all ATC facilities.

Accomplishments: — Controlled approximately 400, 000 aircraft movements, at two separate Army Air Traffic Control Facilities, without accident

— Handled over a dozen aircraft emergencies resulting in all aircraft landing safely without loss of life — Supported Hajj Pilgrimage, Iraqi Air Force, Multi Forces Support, U.N. Mission, and ICAA efforts — Made significant facility improvements of a vehicle maintenance shop — Built an addition for the Army Approach Control facility in Mosul — Built additions for Sykes Tower and Warhorse Tower

C, 2-211 F, 1-189 25 JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC Morale, Welfare and Recreation

The West Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) Center provides Task Force 34 Soldiers and all of the residents of the west side of Joint Base Balad, Iraq with activities to keep their spirits high when done with a busy work day. Soldiers used this facility to keep in touch with loved ones, practice physical fitness, and unwind with friends.

Everyday activities included: • Internet café • Phone booths • Exercise equipment • Movie room • Video game room • Pool tables • Foosball tables • Ping pong tables • Libraries of donated books Super Bowl Sunday Iraq style • Board and card games By SGT Timothy Stocking

Activities occasional or weekly included: Task Force 34 Soldiers enjoyed a break from the • Karaoke war fight and watched Super Bowl XLIII. The • Poker tournaments MWR center was rocking as the giant screen • Exercise classes and blasting tiered sound system showed all the • Guitar classes action. The Pittsburgh Steelers triumphed over the Arizona Cardinals in dramatic fashion on a last minute touchdown. Read more on www.TaskForce34.org

26 Forc k e 3 as 4 T

One T e am - One Fight O At tack! 0 Sports IF 08-1 Minnesota Guardsmen historic hockey By SSG Lynette Hoke

The love of sports is one trait that was not left behind on deployment for many Task Force 34 Soldiers. Soldiers enjoyed being actively involved in sports and cheering on home sports teams. For many, it brings a little piece of home to them. Activities such as softball and floor hockey helped to keep morale high. Read more on www.TaskForce34.org

Sports offered include: • Volleyball • Softball • 5K Runs and Marathons • Basketball • Swimming • Floor hockey • Dodgeball 27

Read more on www.TaskForce34.org Bettering Morale

Morale Trips Chaplains lead tour in land of Abraham By SFC Daniel Ewer

... In contemporary times it was the Ur archeological site in Tell el-Mukayyar, Iraq that brought together Soldiers of Task Force 34. Some followed the Chaplain’s tour for a personal connection to Biblical history, others were fascinated by the ancient ziggurat, palace ruins and tombs; still others were amazed at the dynamic geology that could place an ancient sea in a modern desert ...

“It’s hard enough dealing with being away from family and home, The Holidays and with the holidays around the corner, it tends to get you a bit down. The closest thing [in Iraq] to family are the bonds we build with the people we are spending the next year day in and day out with” PFC Marie Soderstrom TF 34 HQ Assistant Supply Clerk St. Paul, Minnesota.

Being so far from home for the holidays can really take a toll on the morale of Soldiers. Units from across the Task Force celebrated such holidays as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years with par- ties and festive activities.

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One T e am - One Fight O At tack! 0 Bettering Iraq IF 08-1 Iraq Improvements Since arriving at Joint Base Balad, Iraq in late 2008, the Soldiers of TF 34 constantly worked to improve their Read more about these stories on working and living areas. After the www.TaskForce34.org beginning of the rainy season at Joint Base Balad, the Soldiers built walkways to the latrines and, with the help of It took a war to bless a child third country nationals as well as local By SPC Jodi Krause nationals, built up the housing areas with rocks and pavers for walkways “I guess the old Persian adage; ‘I wept because during floods. I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet’ is an appropriate summary of this humanitarian effort,” said Chaplain (1LT) Paul Wood- ward, 1-244th Assault Helicopter Battalion Chaplain of Enid, OK.

Humanitarian Missions

A Co., 834th Aviation Support Battalion delivered fuel to the local Bakir Village on Mar. 12. Spec. Benjamin Peterson helped provide security for his unarmed chaplain as he discusses world religions with the local Iraqi elders. Task Force 34 also took this opportunity to distribute humanitarian supplies, shoes, and candy 29 to the Iraqi elders and children. Soldier Milestones

Keeping the dream alive By SPC Jodi Krause ... CW4 Gordon Eatley, Task Force 34 Headquarters Safety Officer from Carencro, La., was the oldest Soldier to deploy with Task Force 34, turning 63 during his time at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, before deploying to Joint Base Balad, Iraq. PVT Eric McAllister, 2nd Battalion 641st Aviation Flight Operations Specialist from Portland, Or., was the youngest Soldier deployed with Task Force 34, having stayed back for age requirements from the first rotation of 2-641 AVN Soldiers and deploying during the second rotation just months after his 18th birthday ...

Supporting many with few; 57 Soldiers support Task Force of thousands By PFC Jasmine N. Walthall The average aviation task force, made up of several units and a brigade headquarters, would normally have an aviation support battalion. This support battalion would see to their aviation and ground maintenance, supplies and equipment and ensure the task force’s needs were met. Task Force 449, however, receives its support from just 57 Soldiers, who take on a job intended for hundreds. The 834 Forward Logistics Element is a part of the 834 Aviation Support Battalion, a Minnesota Army National Guard unit out of St. Paul, Minn. that provided Class IX materials to another CAB in theater ...

TF 34 Soldiers re-enlist, celebrate Guard’s 372nd Birthday By SFC Daniel Ewer Task Force 34 was well represented at the National Guard’s 327th Birthday celebration in the Al Faw Palace rotunda Dec. 13 when 60 TF 34 Soldiers reenlisted accompanied by more than 150 other Multi-National Corps–Iraq Soldiers ...

Testing above the rest By SSG Lynette Hoke ... Recently at Joint Base Balad, Iraq Blackjack Education Center, Soldiers were offered a chance to improve their ASVAB score by taking a four week course designed to help them improve in the sections most Soldiers are weakest in ...

Soldiers are baptized in Biblical lands TF 34 Soldiers gain U.S. citizenship By SPC Jodi Krause Written by SPC Jodi Krause “Water baptism represents death, the grave and resurrection,” said Chaplain LTC Joel Severson, Task Force 34 Chaplain. “When you go in, it’s like dying. Ecuador. Russia. Mexico. Three Task Force 34 When you come up, you take a deep breath and live” ... Soldiers have left their roots to call the United States home. Soldiers receive Combat Action Badge These Soldiers were initiated as United States By SPC Justin Adelmann citizens on 4 Nov., at a naturalization ceremony Nine Soldiers, deployed with the 834th Aviation Support Battalion, were held in the Water Palace at Camp Victory, Iraq. awarded long awaited Combat Action Badges in a ceremony Oct. 20, at Joint One of these Soldiers was SGT Edison Ceval- Base Balad, Iraq ... los, D Co. 3rd Battalion, 159th Attack Recon- naissance Battalion technical inspector. A native Recalled Soldiers receive their just due of Ecuador, being a citizen of the U.S. has been a By CPT Marlin J. Jenkins life’s journey. ... When we were preparing for deployment it was painfully obvious that the JUGGERNAUTS were going to be under strength to complete our mission in Iraq and this would require us to call on the IRR pool for support ...

D Co. 3-159 exceeds standard for reenlistments By SPC Neil Dalson ... It was in these conditions, along with F-16s thundering overhead, that the D Co. “Outlaws” were to set the standard for reenlistment. On Oct. 11, Delta Company’s commander CPT Nathanal J. Patton swore in eight United States Army Soldiers, collectively taking in close to 80 thousand dollars in bonuses for continuing their service to their country ...

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One T e am - One Fight O At tack! 0 Operational Milestones IF 08-1

Task Force 34 served as the Multi-National Corps–Iraq (MNC–I) Combat Aviation Brigade during Operation Iraqi Freedom 08-10. The operational mission for Task Force 34 was supporting the MNC–I Commanding General’s mission of defeating AQI and violent extremists, denying enemy resurgence, protecting the populace and achieving sustainable security.

The key tasks to meeting those mission requirements included: proactive aviation maintenance; combat operations with attack helicopters; MEDEVAC and CASEVAC; force protection and battle field circulation of key leaders across the Iraq Theater.

Task Force 34, in order to accomplish the established missions and key tasks, was organized as follows: CAB Headquarters; one Assault Helicopter Battalion; one General Support Aviation Battalion; one Attack Reconnaissance Battalion; one fixed wing Battalion and one Aviation Support Battalion.

— Task Force 34 consisted of 102 rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft, performing 37 daily mission sets, based out of four bed down locations across Iraq.

— In total, Task Force 34 executed over 5,600 combat missions totaling over 40,000 flight hours.

— Additional key Task Force 34 accomplishments included: transporting over 130,000 passengers and 11,670,000 pounds of cargo; conducted 120 phased maintenance inspections; conducted over 1,400 critical MEDEVAC missions; and transported over 2000 key senior U.S. military leaders to include the President of the United States, the President and Vice President Elect and countless congressional delegation members.

— Other noteworthy operations included: conducting ground convoys to a local community to deliver fuel; conducting countless facility upgrades and improvements; assisting in the expansion of new, long term locations for U.S. Forces in central and southern Iraq; and helping to shape the future of Army Aviation assets in the Iraqi Theater.

Logistical Milestones

The logistical train for TF 34 units is significant and was stretched across the entirety of Iraq.

— TF 34 S4 shipped over one million short tons of equipment, requiring two separate cargo vessels

— TF 34’s footprint on Joint Base Balad covered over 2.5 sq. miles. At the peak of the deployment TF 34 housed over 2,000 people and 114 aircraft.

— Over six million dollars spent supporting the Corps CAB mission

— Authored 20 Operational Needs Statement’s ensuring funding was provided for the most mission essential shortages. Equipment ranging from maintenance stands to forward looking infrared systems

— Conducted ‘Rapid Fielding’ of hundreds of items, including all of the ‘Air Warrior’ items and helicopter door guns

— TF 34 was geographically located on at least 12 different operating bases

31 Iraq Milestones

August 2008 — U.S. and Iraqi delegations negotiating the security agreement reach an accord stipulating a withdrawal of all U.S. troops in Iraq by 2011 — Muqtada al-Sadr ordered his followers to lay down their arms and become a social movement — King Abdullah of Jordan visits Baghdad. He is the first Arab head of state to visit Iraq since Saddam Hussein’s regime collapsed in 2003 — Prime Minister al-Maliki orders the return of all former Army officers to service so that Iraq may benefit from their experience — In Baghdad, over 50,000 spectators crowd into the national football stadium to watch a soccer championship

September 2008 — al-Anbar Province is the 11th of 18 provinces to switch from coalition to Iraqi control. The al-Anbar tribes were critical in the defeat of AQI — Coalition nominally hands over control of the 54,000 Sons of Iraq fighters in the Baghdad region and the GOI begins paying the members of the Baghdad SOI — Defense Minister Abdel Qader Jassem Mohammed announces Iraq has taken delivery of US-built Beechcraft King Air surveillance spy planes to bolster its security forces — Iraqi Airways takes delivery of their first new aircraft in more than twenty years, a Bombardier CRJ-900

October 2008 — Iraq’s Oil Minister hosts a conference in London for 34 international companies interested in investing in joint ventures in Iraq

November 2008 — Iraq’s cabinet approves the security framework agreement — Through October of 2008, attacks dropped by 68% from the previous year. Nearly all IA divisions in the battle space are capable of planning and executing independent operations

December 2008 — An all time record of 5,820 MW of electricity is produced for a one week period. Iraqi electricity production reaches a level 25% higher than the same week of the previous year

January 2009 — The new security framework agreement for Iraq went into effect. The bilateral agreement between Australia & Iraq went into effect. The bilateral agreement between Great Britain and Iraq went into effect — The Coalition handed over control of the Green Zone and Saddam Hussein’s presidential palace to Iraqi authorities. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki proposed January 1st be declared a national holiday to commemorate what he called “Sovereignty Day”- the day Iraq took the lead in security away from U.S. forces, regained control of its airspace and reclaimed a wide swath of Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone (IZ) — A report is released indicating the number of U.S. military fatalities in Iraq (314) in 2008 fell two-thirds compared to the previous year (904). The report also indicated that violence in Iraq has fallen some 80 percent since the surge of 33,000 U.S. forces began in January 2007 — Coalition Forces handed over control of the Sons of Iraq (SOI) program in Diyala to the GOI. There are approximately 9,000 members of the SOI in the Diyala Province — Iraq holds their first nationwide elections in more than three years. More than 14,400 candidates, about 3,900 of them women, are competing for 444 seats on ruling councils in 14 of the country’s 18 provinces Forc k e 3 as 4 T

One T e am - One Fight O At tack! 0 IF 08-1

February 2009 — The United Nations considers scrapping the sanctions placed on Iraq during Saddam Hussein’s reign. Many of the sanctions were initiated on August 2, 1990 — GOI officials announce that a total of 191 Iraqis were killed in January, the lowest monthly toll since the U.S.-led invasion of March 2003 — Final election results for the January 31st provincial elections are released. Prime Minister al-Maliki’s State of Law coalition won a plurality in nine of the 14 provinces that voted, more than any other party. Voter turnout was 51 percent — Iraq’s National Museum reopens in Baghdad almost six years after its ancient treasures were looted in the aftermath of the U.S.-led invasion. March 2009 Tourism and Antiquities — Chinese engineers Minister Qahtan Abbas inaugurate an Iraqi oil field says about 6,000 items in the first major oil development have been returned deal secured by a foreign firm from inside Iraq, since the 2003 fall of Saddam Hussein from its neighbors — Turkey’s President Abdullah Gul and around the became the first Turkish head of state since world Fahri Koruturk in 1976 to visit Iraq calling for greater cooperation from Iraq’s Kurdish leadership in preventing Kurdish rebels from launching cross-border attacks — Prime Minster Nouri al-Maliki urges Iranian businesses to invest in Iraq and help with the post-war reconstruction. Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani responds by saying Iran is ready to support the Iraqi government and to remain at it’s side to make the Iraqi economy grow — The British-led coalition base in Basrah lowers its flag and transfers the base to U.S. control. The British departure begins almost 50 years to the day of the British exit from Habaniyah near Fallujah in 1959 which ended a British presence in Iraq dating to 1918

April 2009 — Raad Hamoudi, who led the Iraqi national soccer team to its only World Cup appearance in 1986, is elected to serve as chairman of Iraq’s new National Olympic Committee. — Abdul Zahraa al-Talqani, a tourism and antiquities ministry spokesman, announces plans for the Saddam museum. The museum will be filled with weapons, statues, paintings, furniture and artifacts related to Saddam and will most likely be in one of the presidential palaces in Baghdad. The clothes, documents and various gifts Saddam received from foreign leaders will be among the possessions displayed “As their commander, I will be forever indebted to each of them for their personal sacrifice.” -LTC Joanne MacGregor, 2-149th General Support Aviation Battalion Commander.

Remembering Red River 44 “So now great Task Force 34 Soldiers, Aircrewmen, and Com- manders, we will not forget our Fallen Seven. In honor of their selfless commitment to duty; carry the memory of our friends in your heart and go forward to finish the good race that was set before them and still lies before us today.” -COL Clay Brock, Task Force 34 Commander

CPT Robert Vallejo II CW3 Brady Rudolf CW2 Corry Edwards SGM Julio Ordonez Texas Oklahoma Texas Texas

SSG Anthony Mason SGT Daniel Eshbaugh SGT Michael Thompson Texas Oklahoma Oklahoma